Novel substituted imidazoquinolines

ABSTRACT

Imidazoquinolines of formula I that contain substituted amine or amide functionality at 1-position and that are effective as Toll like Receptor 7 activators are disclosed. These compounds are useful as anticancer agents.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to imidazoquinoline derivatives and topharmaceutical compositions containing the imidazoquinoline derivatives.The imidazoquinoline derivatives are useful as toll-like receptoragonist/TLR7 activators.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Toll-like receptors (TLR) currently comprising a gene family of 10receptors with different specificities are part of the cellular pathogenpattern recognition system, which has evolved for defense against avariety of infections (bacteria, virus, fungi). Activation of TLRs leadsto cytokine responses, e.g. with release of interferons and activationof specified immune cells. The functional expression of selected TLRs intissues is highly different. Part of the receptors are located at thecell surface such as TLR4 (stimulated by E. coli lipopolysaccharideLPS), e.g. on epithelial cells, or TLR3, 7, 8 and 9 located at endosomalmembranes in specified immune cells. The latter are all activated bynucleic acids, but recognize various types of them. For instance, TLR9is activated by single stranded DNA containing CpG subsequences, TLR7and 8 are activated by single stranded RNA, and TLR3 is activated bydouble-stranded RNA.

Some small-molecule (SMOL) TLR7 or TLR8 agonists have been identified.Those agonists can be grouped into purine-like molecules, such as7-thia-8-oxoguanosine (TOG, isatoribine) or the imidazoquinolineimiquimod. Imiquimod is so far the only approved definitive TLR agonist,marketed as 5% crème (by Aldara). It generates approx 80% 5 yearclearance of superficial basal cell carcinomas, which is the mostfrequent cancer worldwide. Imiquimod activates TLR7. The functionalexpression of TLR7 appears to be restricted to specified immune cells,i.e. in humans so far solely plasmacytoid dendritic cells, B-cells andprobably eosinophils are known to be activated by TLR7 agonists.

For several years strong efforts are ongoing worldwide trying to exploitthe strong immune activation induced by TLR7, 8 or 9 agonists for thetreatment of cancer. Cancer immunotherapy, however, experienced a longhistory of failures. In recent years, though, the knowledge on cancerimmune surveillance and the function of subsets of immune cells therebywas improved drastically. TLR7 or TLR9 agonists are in clinicaldevelopment for cancer mono- or combination therapies, or as vaccineadjuvant.

The TLR agonist approach for cancer immunotherapy is different fromearlier efforts using, e.g. cytokines, interferons or monovalentvaccinations. TLR agonist mediated immune activation is pleiotropic viaspecified immune cells (primarily dendritic cells and B-cells,subsequently other cells), which generates an innate and adaptive immuneresponse. Moreover, not only one interferon is induced, but rather themany different isoform's altogether, and not only type I (alpha, beta),but also (indirectly) type II (gamma, NK cells). At least for localapplication, Aldara has delivered a remarkable proof-of-concept. Thisdemonstrates that antigens are released by tumors, and that immunetherapy can work for cancer indications in principle, and even inmonotherapy. For a systemic administration route, though, the clinicalPOC is pending for TLR7 or TLR9 agonists, which both are in clinicaltrials. For advanced cancers and systemic application (preferably s.c.or i.v. administration route) it appears to be clear that such TLRagonists have to be combined with other therapies.

In case of earlier stages of cancer the situation might be different.Tumor metastasis is a most severe aspect of tumor development inpatients, largely because tumors are detected too late when metastasisalready has occurred. Established tumor therapies mostly includecytotoxic drugs with rather narrow therapeutic windows. Hence, for thetreatment in earlier tumor stages, when the suppression of metastasisspread might still be possible, the need is high for new therapies withgood tolerability and safety.

The activation of the immune system, and in particular, the activationof toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling offers new promising approaches.TLR9 agonistic CpG oligos like H2006 or H1826, and TLR7 agonists likethe guanosine derivative isatoribine or an imiquimod derivative weretested in our murine Renea lung metastasis model. All tested moleculesvirtually completely suppressed the emergence of lung metastases withgood tolerability.

This provides a convincing rational for clinical development of suchmolecules for suppression of cancer metastasis and points to thepossibility of systemic application of such drugs. However, the SMOLtype TLR7 agonists have the advantage of established and cost effectivesynthesis if compared to the nucleic acid type TLR9 agonists, and arewell suited for topical application.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,273 describes imidazoquinoline andtetrahydroimidazoquinoline compounds that contain urea, thiourea,acylurea, sulfonylurea or carbamate functionality. The compounds aresaid to be useful as immunomodulators.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,349 describes imidazoquinoline andtetrahydroimidazoquinoline compounds that contain sulfonamidefunctionality at the 1-position. The compounds are said to be useful asimmunomodulators.

US-A-2003/0144283 and WO-A-00/76505 describe imidazoquinoline andtetrahydroimidazoquinoline compounds that contain amide functionality atthe 1-position. The compounds are said to be useful as immunomodulators.

WO-A-2005/051324 describes imidazo-quinoline, pyridine and naphthyridinerind systems substituted in 1-position with oxime or a special N-oxidefunctionality. The compounds are said to be useful as immunomodulators.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Small molecules, in particular imidazoquinolines-4-amine derivatives,have been found that are activators for TLR7 with high potency. Theseimidazoquinoline derivatives have favorable physicochemical andpharmacokinetic properties. Accordingly, this invention providescompounds, which have been found to be activators for TLR7 and which aredefined by general structure formula I:

wherein: R1, A and B are as defined below.

The compounds of formula I are useful as TLR7 activators.

The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing aneffective amount of compound of formula I.

In addition, methods of synthesizing compounds of formula I aredescribed.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the effect of chloroquine on cytokine induction of TLRagonists in PCIR-1 cells. Expression of IL8 mRNA was measured withTaqMan PCR after 16 hours incubation of cells with H2006, LPS orResiquimod alone and in combination with chloroquine.

FIG. 2 shows the TLR agonist screening cascade.

FIG. 3 shows cytokine mRNA induction in hPBMC treated with3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol(example III, TLR ago 1).

FIG. 4 shows studies with reference compounds in the Renca lungmetastasis model (Leja A, Hofmann H P, Maier T, Drache D, Grebe C,Fischer S, Gimmnich P, Sanders K, Gekeler V. Metastasis of murine Rencakidney cancer cells to the lungs of Balb/c mice is strongly suppressedby TLR9 or TLR7 agonists. Abstract 3552, Proc Am Cancer Res 48, 2007),TOG=7-thia-8-oxoguanosine; IMDZQ=imidazoquinoline derivative). Inparticular, female Balb/c mice (n=10) were treated for 4 consecutivedays starting day 1 or day 8 after Renca LacZ tumor cell injection,respectively. The compounds (small molecules (SMOLs)) were applied in20% PEG, ODNs in 0.9% NaCl as indicated. Lungs were excised 25 daysafter tumor cell injection (see FIG. 4A).

-   -   Further, female Balb/c mice (n=5) were treated for 4 consecutive        days as indicated. The compounds (SMOLs) were applied in 20%        PEG, ODNs in 0.9% NaCl. At day 4 of treatment, blood was        collected via orbital plexus and spleens were excised.        Subsequently, mRNA was isolated for expression analysis via        qPCR. Data were normalized to vehicle control (mean set to 1).        Statistical evaluation was performed via Mann-Whitney test (see        FIG. 4B).

FIG. 5 shows studies similar to FIG. 4, however performed with3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol(TLR ago 1, example III) andN-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide(TLR ago 2, example I) in the Renca lung metastasis model.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

It has been found that the imidazoquinoles derivatives, which aredescribed in greater details below, are effective TLR7 activators andhave surprising and particularly advantageous properties.

In addition and based on the foregoing, it has also been found, thatcertain pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, N-oxides orstereoisomers of these imidazoquinoles derivatives, or combinationsthereof, have surprising and particularly advantageous properties.

The present invention provides compounds of formula I:

wherein

-   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of:    -   —H, alkyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl,    -   wherein alkyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl        may be optionally substituted by one or more groups,    -   which are, e.g. selected from the group consisting of: —H, —OH,        halogen, —CO—N(R₄)₂, —N(R₄)₂, —CO—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —CO—O—C₁₋₁₀        alkyl, —N₃, optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, or        —CO-aryl;-   each R₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of:    -   —H, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl-aryl, aryl;-   A is C₁-C₆ alkyl;-   B is —N(R₂)(R₃);-   R₂ is hydrogen or —(CO)—R₅;-   R₅ is selected from the group consisting of:    -   alkyl, alkynyl, aryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl, each of which        may be optionally substituted by one or more groups,    -   which are, e.g. selected from the group consisting of: —H, —OH,        halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SH, —CO—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —CO—O—C₁₋₆        alkyl, —N₃, optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, —CO-aryl        or —CO-heterocyclyl;-   R₃ is selected from the group consisting of:    -   —H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl and        heterocyclyl,    -   wherein alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or        heterocyclyl may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more        substituents,    -   which are e.g. selected from group consisting of: —H, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkoxy, halogen, —OH, —N₃, trifluromethyl, -alkyl-aryl,        —O-alkyl-aryl, —CO-aryl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,        —CO-heteroaryl, —CO-substituted aryl, —CO-substituted        heteroaryl, —CO—O-alkyl, —CO—N-alkyl, —CO—N-aryl;        or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, N-oxides or        stereoisomers thereof, or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the terms “alkyl”, “alkenyl”, “alkynyl” and the prefix“alk” are inclusive of both straight chain and branched chain groups andof cyclic groups, i.e. cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl. Unless otherwisespecified, these groups contain from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, with alkenyland alkynyl groups containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferredgroups have a total of up to 10 carbon atoms. Cyclic groups can bemonocyclic or polycyclic and preferably have from 3 to 10 ring carbonatoms. Exemplary cyclic groups include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl and adamantyl.

In particular, the term “alkyl” refers to a straight chain or branchedalkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include methyl,ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, ter-butyl.Substituted alkyl is as defined above.

Further, the term “alkynyl” refers to an alkyl group having at least twocarbon atoms and including a carbon-carbon triple bond. Substitutedalkynyl is as defined above.

Likewise, “alkenyl” refers to an alkyl group having at least two carbonatoms and including a carbon-carbon double bond.

Further, the term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group being bonded via anoxygen atom.

The term “aryl” as used herein includes carbocyclic aromatic rings orring systems. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl,biphenyl, fluorenyl and indenyl. In particular, the term “aryl” refersto phenyl or naphthalene. In a preferred embodiment, aryl is phenyl.Substituted aryl is as defined above.

The term “heteroaryl” includes aromatic rings or ring systems thatcontain at least one ring heteroatom (e.g. O, S, N). In particular,exemplary heteroaryl groups include furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl,imidazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl,isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl,pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, thionaphthenyl,isothionaphthenyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, purinyl, benzopyranyl,quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, naphthyridinyl, andbenzoxazinyl, which in each case is unsubstituted or may optionally besubstituted in one or more places.

Substituted heteroaryl is substituted, e.g. by one or more of halogen,hydroxyl, aryl, alkyl, aralkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl,nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term “heterocyclyl” refers to non-aromatic rings ormono- or bicyclic ring systems that contain at least one ring heteroatom(e.g., preferably selected from O, SO_(x) or N, wherein x=0, 1 or 2).Exemplary heterocyclic groups include pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, thiazolidinyl,imidazolidinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, azabicyclooctanyl, such as1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]-octanyl, 1-oxo and dioxo-tetrahydrothiophenyl orcyclopentylsulfonyl, as well as benzocondensed forms and/or n-oxidesthereof, which in each case are unsubstituted or may optionally besubstituted in one or more places. Substituted heterocyclyl is, e.g.substituted by one or more of halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, alkyl, aralkyl,alkoxy, carboxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, amino, alkylamino,dialkylamino, or combinations thereof.

It is to be understood that the invention covers all combinations ofsubstituent groups referred to hereinabove. In particular, the inventioncovers all combinations of preferred groups described hereinabove.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to theinvention include all inorganic and organic acid addition salts andsalts with bases, especially all pharmaceutically acceptable inorganicand organic acid addition salts and salts with bases, particularly allpharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acid addition saltsand salts with bases customarily used in pharmacy.

Examples of acid addition salts include, but are not limited to,hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, nitrates, sulfates, acetates,citrates, D-gluconates, benzoates, 2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoates,butyrates, sulfosalicylates, maleates, laurates, malates, fumarates,succinates, oxalates, tartarates, stearates, toluenesulfonates,methanesulfonates, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoates and trifluoroacetates.

Examples of salts with bases include, but are not limited to, lithium,sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, ammonium,meglumine and guanidinium salts. Of these, sodium and ammonium salts arepreferred.

The salts include water-insoluble and, particularly, water-solublesalts.

The compounds of the invention and the salts thereof may contain, e.g.when isolated in crystalline form, varying amounts of solvents. Includedwithin the scope of the invention are, therefore, all solvates of thecompounds of formula (I) and the salts thereof. Hydrates are a preferredexample of said solvates.

N-oxides of the compounds according to the invention and the saltsthereof include compounds, wherein a nitrogen atom of a substituentmoiety is oxidized.

In certain embodiments, the compounds according to the invention and thesalts thereof may include stereoisomers. Each of the stereogenic centerspresent in said stereoisomers may have the absolute configuration R orthe absolute configuration S (according to the rules of Calm, Ingold andPrelog). All such stereoisomers and the salts thereof are part of theinvention. The invention further includes all mixtures of thestereoisomers mentioned above independent of the ratio, including theracemates.

Compounds of the invention and salts thereof containing a double bondmay exist as E isomers and Z isomers. Both said isomers are included inthe invention. The Z isomer is the geometric isomer in which the carbonatoms connected by the double bond each have the two highest rankinggroups on the same side of the double bond. The E isomer is thegeometric isomer in which the carbon atoms connected by the double bondeach have the two highest ranking groups on opposite sides of the doublebond.

Some of the compounds and salts according to the invention may exist indifferent crystalline forms (polymorphs) which are within the scope ofthe invention.

Furthermore, derivatives of the compounds of formula (I) and the saltsthereof which are converted into compound (I) or a salt thereof in abiological system (bioprecursors or pro-drugs) are covered by theinvention. Said biological system is, e.g. a mammalian organism,particularly a human subject. The bioprecursor is, for example,converted into the compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof by ametabolic process.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention,compounds of formula I in which R₁ is —H, alkyl, optionally substitutedaryl, heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; R₂ is—(CO)—R₅, wherein R₅ is alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, and R₃ is —H, oralkyl, are excluded from the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to acompound of formula Ia, which is a compound of formula I as definedabove, wherein R₂ is hydrogen.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to acompound of formula Ib, which is a compound of formula I as definedabove, wherein R₂ is —(CO)—R₅; and R₃ is selected from groups consistingof: alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl, each ofwhich may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to acompound of formula Ic, which is a compound of formula I as definedabove, wherein R₁ is alkynyl or alkoxy; and R₂ is —(CO)—R₅.

In a preferred embodiment of the compound of formula I, including thecompounds of to formula In, Ib and Ic, according to the presentinvention, R₃ is heterocyclyl, which may be unsubstituted or substitutedby one or more substituents, as defined above.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula I, includingthe compounds of formula Ia, Ib and Ic, R₁ is alkyl, more preferablyethyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula I, includingthe compounds of formula Ia, Ib and Ic, R₅ is alkyl, more preferablymethyl.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula I, includingthe compounds of formula Ia, Ib and Ic, R₃ is heterocyclyl, which may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected fromgroup consisting of: hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, halogen, or —OH.

In another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula I, includingthe compounds of formula Ia, Ib and Ic, A is C₂₋₄ alkyl, more preferablyC₄ alkyl.

Another preferred embodiment of the compounds according to the presentinvention relates to compounds of formula I selected from:

-   N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide,-   N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1-methyl-1-oxidopiperidin-4-yl)acetamide,-   3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol,-   N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-1-oxidopyrrolidin-3-yl)acetamide,-   2-ethyl-1-[4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)butyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine,-   1-[4-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-ylamino)butyl]-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine    or-   1-{4-[(1,1-dioxido-3,4-dihydro-2H-thiochromen-4-yl)amino]butyl}-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine    or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, N-oxides or    stereoisomers thereof, or combinations thereof.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of formula I (including formula Ia, Iband Ic) according to the present invention in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of thecompound sufficient to induce a therapeutic effect, such as activationof TLR7. This may cause cytokine induction, antitumor activity and/orantiviral activity. Although the exact amount of active compound used ina pharmaceutical composition of the invention will vary according tofactors known to those of skill in the art, such as the physical andchemical nature of the compound as well as the nature of the carrier andthe intended dosing regimen, it is anticipated that the compositions ofthe invention will contain sufficient active ingredient to provide adose of about 100 ng/kg to about 50 mg/kg, preferably about 10 μg/kg toabout 5 mg/kg, of the compound to the subject.

Any of the conventional dosage forms may be used, such as tablets,lozenges, parenteral formulations, syrups, creams, ointments, aerosolformulations, transdermal patches, transmucosal patches and the like.

The compounds of the invention can be administered as the singletherapeutic agent in a treatment regimen, or may be administered incombination with one another or with other active agents, includingadditional anticancer agents, immune response modifiers, antivirals,antibiotics, and the like.

The invention furthermore relates to pharmaceutical compositions whichcomprise at least one of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts according to the invention together with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or two of thecompounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to theinvention. More preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise oneof the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to theinvention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, thepharmaceutical compositions comprise a compound of the examplesaccording to the invention together with at least one pharmaceuticallyacceptable auxiliary.

The pharmaceutical compositions can contain at least one of thecompounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to theinvention (hereinafter referred to as “the active compound”) in a totalamount of from 0.1 to 99.9 wt %, preferably 5 to 95 wt %, morepreferably 20 to 80 wt %.

As pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, any auxiliaries known to besuitable for preparing pharmaceutical compositions can be used. Examplesthereof include, but are not limited to, solvents, excipients,dispersants, emulsifiers, solubilizers, gel formers, ointment bases,antioxidants, preservatives, stabilizers, carriers, fillers, binders,thickeners, complexing agents, disintegrating agents, buffers,permeation promoters, polymers, lubricants, coating agents, propellants,tonicity adjusting agents, surfactants, colorants, flavorings,sweeteners and dyes. In particular, auxiliaries of a type appropriate tothe desired formulation and the desired mode of administration are used.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated, for example, intotablets, coated tablets (dragées), pills, cachets, capsules (caplets),granules, powders, suppositories, solutions (e.g. sterile solutions),emulsions, suspensions, ointments, creams, lotions, pastes, oils, gels,sprays and patches (e.g. transdermal therapeutic systems). Additionally,the pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared as, e.g. liposomedelivery systems, systems in which the active compound is coupled tomonoclonal antibodies and systems in which the active compound iscoupled to polymers (e.g. soluble or biodegradable polymers).

The pharmaceutical compositions comprising the active compound and atleast one auxiliary can be manufactured in a manner known to a personskilled in the art, e.g. by dissolving, mixing, granulating,dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping orlyophilizing processes.

The selected formulation depends inter alia on the route ofadministering the pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention can be administered by any suitable route,for example, by the oral, sublingual, buccal, intravenous,intraarterial, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intracutaneous, topical,transdermal, intranasal, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal,intracoronary, transurethral, rectal or vaginal route, by inhalation orby insufflation. Oral administration is preferred.

Tablets, coated tablets (dragees), pills, cachets, capsules (caplets),granules, solutions, emulsions and suspensions are, e.g. suitable fororal administration. In particular, said formulations can be adapted soas to represent, for example, an enteric form, an immediate releaseform, a delayed release form, a repeated dose release form, a prolongedrelease form or a sustained release form. Said forms can be obtained,for example, by coating tablets, by dividing tablets into severalcompartments separated by layers disintegrating under differentconditions (e.g. pH conditions) or by coupling the active compound to abiodegradable polymer.

Administration by inhalation is preferably made by using an aerosol. Theaerosol is a liquid-gaseous dispersion, a solid-gaseous dispersion or amixed liquid/solid-gaseous dispersion.

The aerosol may be generated by means of aerosol-producing devices suchas dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered dose inhalers (PMDIs)and nebulizers. Depending on the kind of the active compound to beadministered, the aerosol-producing device can contain the activecompound in form of a powder, a solution or a dispersion. The powder maycontain, for example, one or more of the following auxiliaries:carriers, stabilizers and fillers. The solution may contain in additionto the solvent, for example, one or more of the following auxiliaries:propellants, solubilizers (co-solvents), surfactants, stabilizers,buffers, tonicity adjusting agents, preservatives and flavorings. Thedispersion may contain in addition to the dispersant, for example, oneor more of the following auxiliaries: propellants, surfactants,stabilizers, buffers, preservatives and flavorings. Examples of carriersinclude, but are not limited to, saccharides, e.g. lactose and glucose.Examples of propellants include, but are not limited to,fluorohydrocarbons, e.g. 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane.

The particle size of the aerosol particles (solid, liquid orsolid/liquid particles) is preferably less than 100 μm, more preferablyit is in the range of from 0.5 to 10 μm, in particular in the range offrom 2 to 6 μm (ID50 value, measured by laser diffraction).

Specific aerosol-producing devices which may be used for inhaledadministration include, but are not limited to, Cyclohaler®, Rotadisk®,Turbohaler®, Autohaler®, Turbohaler®, Novolizer®, Easyhaler0,Aerolizer®, Jethaler®, Diskus®, Ultrahaler® and Mystic® inhalers. Theaerosol-producing devices may be combined with spacers or expanders,e.g. Aerochamber®, Nebulator®, Volumatic® and Rondo®, for improvinginhalation efficiency.

In case of topical administration, suitable pharmaceutical formulationsare, for example, ointments, creams, lotions, pastes, gels, powders,solutions, emulsions, suspensions, oils, sprays and patches (e.g.transdermal therapeutic systems).

For parenteral modes of administration such as, for example,intravenous, intraarterial, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intracutaneous,intraperitoneal and intrasternal administration, preferably solutions(e.g. sterile solutions, isotonic solutions) are used. They arepreferably administered by injection or infusion techniques.

In case of intranasal administration, for example, sprays and solutionsto be applied in drop form are preferred formulations.

For intraocular administration, solutions to be applied in drop form,gels and ointments are exemplified formulations.

Generally, the pharmaceutical compositions according to the inventioncan be administered such that the dose of the active compound is in therange customary for activators of TLR7. In particular, a dose in therange of from 0.01 to 4000 mg, preferably 0.1 mg to to 2000 mg, morepreferably 0.5 mg to 1000 mg and most preferably 1 mg to 500 mg, of theactive compound per day is preferred for an average adult patient havinga body weight of 70 kg. In this respect, it is to be noted that the doseis dependent, for example, on the specific compound used, the speciestreated, age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the subjecttreated, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, severity ofthe disease to be treated and drug combination.

The pharmaceutical composition can be administered in a single dose perday or in multiple subdoses, for example, 2 to 4 doses per day. A singledose unit of the pharmaceutical composition can contain, e.g. from 0.01mg to 4000 mg, preferably 0.1 mg to 2000 mg, more preferably 0.5 to 1000mg, most preferably 1 to 500 mg, of the active compound. Furthermore,the pharmaceutical composition can be adapted to weekly, monthly or evenmore infrequent administration, for example by using an implant, e.g. asubcutaneous or intramuscular implant, by using the active compound inform of a sparingly soluble salt or by using the active compound coupledto a polymer.

The compounds of the invention have been shown to activate TLR7 inexperiments performed according to the tests set forth below. Thecompounds of the present invention are useful as anticancer agents forcancers that are responsive to TLR7 activation.

Illustrative cancers include, but are not limited to cancer of thebreast, bladder, bone, brain, central and peripheral nervous system,colon, endocrine glands, esophagus, endometrium, germ cells, head andneck, kidney, liver, lung, larynx and hypopharynx, mesothelioma,sarcoma, ovary, pancreas, prostate, rectum, renal, small intestine, softtissue, testis, stomach, skin, ureter, vagina and vulva; inheritedcancers, retinomblastoma and Wilms tumor; leukemia, lymphoma,non-Hodgkins disease, chronic and acute myeloid leukaemia, acutelymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkins disease, multiple myeloma and T-celllymphoma; myelodysplastic syndrome, plasma cell neoplasia,paraneoplastic syndromes, cancers of unknown primary site and AIDSrelated malignancies.

Preferably, TLR7 agonists would be used to treat cancers of the skin orkidney. Sensitivity of a given cancer to activation of TLR7 can beassessed by, but not limited to measurement of a decrease in primary ormetastatic tumor load (minor, partial or complete regression),alterations in the hemogram, altered hormone or cytokine concentrationsin the blood, inhibition of further increase of tumor load,stabilization of the disease in the patient, assessment of biomarkers orsurrogate markers relevant for the disease, prolonged overall survivalof a patient, prolonged time to disease progression of a patient,prolonged progression-free survival of a patient, prolonged disease-freesurvival of a patient, improved quality of life of a patient, ormodulation of the co-morbidity of the disease (for example, but notlimited to pain, cachexia, mobilization, hospitalization, alteredhemogram, weight loss, wound healing, fever).

The compounds according to the present invention may further be usefulas immune response modifiers that can modulate the immune response in anumber of different ways, rendering them useful in the treatment of avariety of disorders.

Cytokines that may be induced by the administration of compoundsaccording to the invention generally include interferon (IFN) and/ortumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as certain interleukins (IL).Cytokines whose biosynthesis may be induced by compounds of theinvention include IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-1, 6, 10 and 12, and a variety ofother cytokines. Among other effects, cytokines inhibit virus productionand tumor cell growth, making the compounds useful in the treatment oftumors and viral diseases.

In addition to the ability to induce the production of cytokines, thecompounds of the invention affect other aspects of the innate immuneresponse. For example, natural killer cell activity may be stimulated,an effect that may be due to cytokine induction. The compounds may alsoactivate macrophages, which in turn stimulates secretion of nitric oxideand the production of additional cytokines. Further, the compounds maycause proliferation and differentiation of B-lymphocytes.

Compounds of the invention may also have an effect on the acquiredimmune response. For example, while not intending to be bound by anyparticular theory, there is not believed to be any direct effect on Tcells or direct induction of T cell cytokines, but the production of theT helper type 1 (Th 1) cytokine IFN-γ is induced indirectly and the toproduction of the T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13are inhibited upon administration of the compounds. This activity meansthat the compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases whereup-regulation of the Th1 response and/or down regulation of the Th2response is desired. In view of the ability of certain compounds ofFormula I to inhibit the Th2 immune response, the compounds are expectedto be useful in the treatment is of conditions that are associate withoverstimulation of a Th2 response such as atopic diseases, e.g., atopicdermatitis; asthma; allergy; allergic rhinitis; systemic lupuserythematosis; as a vaccine adjuvant for cell mediated immunity; andpossibly as a treatment for recurrent fungal diseases, periodontitis andchlamydia.

The immune response modifying effects of the compounds make them usefulin the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Because of theirability to induce the production of cytokines such as IFN-α and/orTNF-α, and IL-12, the compounds are particularly useful in the treatmentof viral diseases and tumors. This immunomodulating activity suggeststhat compounds of the invention are useful in treating diseases such as,but not limited to, viral diseases including genital warts; commonwarts; plantar warts; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Herpes Simplex Type Iand Type II; molluscum contagiosum; HIV; CMV; VZV; intraepithelialneoplasias such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; humanpapillomavirus (HPV) and associated neoplasias; fungal diseases, e.g.candida, aspergillus, and cryptococcal meningitis; neoplastic diseases,e.g., basal cell carcinoma, hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma, renalcell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, myelogenous leukemia, multiplemyeloma, melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma,and other cancers; parasitic diseases, e.g. pneumocystis carnii,cryptosporidiosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, trypanosome infection,and leishmaniasis; and bacterial infections, e.g., tuberculosis, andmycobacterium avium. Additional diseases or conditions that can betreated using the compounds of the invention include eczema;eosinophilia; essential thrombocythaemia; leprosy; multiple sclerosis;Ommen's syndrome; discoid lupus; Bower's disease; Bowenoid papulosis;and to enhance or stimulate the healing of wounds, including chronicwounds.

Accordingly, the invention provides a method of activating TLR7 in ananimal, especially a mammal, preferably a human comprising administeringan effective amount of a compound of Formula I to the animal. Aneffective amount of a compound will vary according to factors known inthe art but is expected to be a dose of about 100 ng/kg to about 60mg/kg, preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 30 mg/kg, more preferablyabout 10 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg.

The invention also provides a method of treating a viral infection in ananimal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound ofFormula I to the animal. An amount effective to treat or inhibit a viralinfection is an amount that will cause a reduction in one or more of themanifestations of viral infection, such as viral lesions, viral load,rate of virus production, and mortality as compared to untreated controlanimals. The precise amount will vary according to factors known in theart but is expected to be a dose as indicated above with respect to theactivation of TLR7, or a dose of about 100 ng/kg to about 50 mg/kg,preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg.

An amount effective to treat a neoplastic condition is an amount thatwill cause a reduction in tumor size or in the number of tumor foci.Again, the precise amount will vary according to factors known in theart but is expected to be a dose as indicated above with respect to theactivation of TLR7, or a dose of about 100 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg,preferably about 10 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg.

The compounds according to the invention can be prepared, for example,as described as follows and according to the following specifiedreaction steps, or, particularly, in a manner as described by way ofexample in the following examples.

As shown in reaction scheme A, a compound of formula 7 wherein R₃ ishaving meaning as defined above can be obtained by treatingquinolin-4-ol with nitric acid to afford its nitro derivative of formula1 which is further reacted with phosphorus oxychloride in presence ofN,N-dimethyl formaldehyde to yield 4-chloro-3-nitroquinoline of formula2. Compound of formula 2 on reaction with (4-Amino-butyl)-carbamic acidtert-butylester resulted in compound of formula 4 which is then reactedwith triethylorthopropionate in presence of toluene to afford compoundof formula 5. [4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-carbamicacid tart-butyl ester of formula 5 is then deprotected to afford4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butylamine of formula 6. Acompound of formula 6 is then treated with suitable heterocyclic ketonesto obtain a desired compound of formula 7.

As shown in reaction scheme B, compound of formula I, wherein R₂ is—CO—R₅ and all other symbols have the meaning as defined above, can beobtained by reacting compound of formula 7 with suitable acid anhydrideof formula R₅—CO—O—CO—R₅ to obtain a compound of formula 8 which is thentreated with m-chloroperbenzoic acid to yield its N-oxide derivative offormula 9. A compound of formula 9 is further subjected to aminationusing aqueous (aq.) ammonia solution to obtain the desired compound offormula I.

As shown in reaction scheme C, a compound of formula I, wherein R₂ ishydrogen and all other symbols have the meaning as defined above, can beobtained by reacting compound of formula 7 with di-ter-butyl-dicarbonateto obtain a compound of formula 10, which is then treated withm-chloroperbonzoic acid to yield its N-oxide derivative of formula 11.Compound of formula 11 is then further subjected to amination usingaq.ammonia to obtain a compound of formula 12 which is the de-protectedusing acidic conditions to obtain the desired compound of formula I.

It is known to the person skilled in the art that, if there are a numberof reactive centers on a starting or intermediate compound, it may benecessary to block one or more reactive centers temporarily byprotective groups in order to allow a reaction to proceed specificallyat the desired reaction center.

The compounds according to the invention are isolated and purified in amanner known per se, e.g. by distilling off the solvent in vaccuo andrecrystallizing the residue obtained from a suitable solvent orsubjecting it to one of the customary purification methods, such ascolumn chromatography on a suitable support material.

Salts of the compounds of formula (I) according to the invention can beobtained by dissolving the free compound in a suitable solvent (forexample a ketone such as acetone, methylethylketone ormethylisobutylketone, an ether such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran ordioxane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride orchloroform, or a low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol such asmethanol, ethanol or isopropanol) which contains the desired acid orbase, or to which the desired acid or base is then added. The acid orbase can be employed in salt preparation, depending on whether a mono-or polybasic acid or base is concerned and depending on which salt isdesired, in an equimolar quantitative ratio or one differing therefrom.The salts are obtained by filtering, reprecipitating, precipitating witha non-solvent for the salt or by evaporating the solvent. Salts obtainedcan be converted into the free compounds which, in turn, can beconverted into salts. In this manner, pharmaceutically unacceptablesalts, which can be obtained, for example, as process products in themanufacturing on an industrial scale, can be converted intopharmaceutically acceptable salts by processes known to the personskilled in the art.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention can be convertedinto their N-oxides, for example, with the aid of hydrogen peroxide inmethanol or with the aid of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid indichloromethane. The person skilled in the art is familiar with thereaction conditions for carrying out the N-oxidation.

Pure diastereomers and pure enantiomers of the compounds and saltsaccording to the invention that are present in the form of suchstereoisomers can be obtained, e.g. by asymmetric synthesis, by usingchiral starting compounds in synthesis and by splitting up enantiomericand diasteriomeric mixtures obtained in synthesis.

Enantiomeric and diastereomeric mixtures can be split up into the pureenantiomers and pure diastereomers by methods known to a person skilledin the art. Preferably, diastereomeric mixtures are separated bycrystallization, in particular fractional crystallization, orchromatography. Enantiomeric mixtures can be separated, e.g. by formingdiastereomers with a chiral auxiliary agent, resolving the diastereomersobtained and removing the chiral auxiliary agent. As chiral auxiliaryagents, for example, chiral acids can be used to separate enantiomericbases and chiral bases can be used to separate enantiomeric acids viaformation of diastereomeric salts. Furthermore, diastereomericderivatives such as diastereomeric esters can be formed fromenantiomeric mixtures of alcohols or enantiomeric mixtures of acids,respectively, using chiral acids or chiral alcohols, respectively, aschiral auxiliary agents. Additionally, diastereomeric complexes ordiastereomeric clathrates may be used for separating enantiomericmixtures. Alternatively, enantiomeric mixtures can be split up usingchiral separating columns in chromatography. Another suitable method forthe isolation of enantiomers is the enzymatic separation.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the invention isnot limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but coversall modifications of said embodiments that are within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The following examples illustrate the invention in greater detail,without restricting it. Further compounds according to the invention, ofwhich the preparation is not explicitly described, can be prepared in ananalogous way.

The compounds which are mentioned in the examples and the salts thereofrepresent preferred embodiments of the invention.

EXAMPLES Preparation of4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butylamine of Formula 6 Step-I:3-Nitro-quinoline-4-oI

A mixture of quinolin-4-ol (1 eq.) in propionic acid was heated to 125°C. with stirring. Nitric acid (2.2 eq.) was added drop wise to thestirred solution while maintaining the reaction mixture temperature at125° C. Reaction was stirred at 125° C. for 15 min. and cooled toambient temperature. The reaction was diluted with ethanol and solid wascollected by vacuum filtration. Solid was washed successively withethanol, water and ethanol. Resulting yellow solid was heated inrefluxing ethanol and filtered from hot mixture to give pure3-nitro-quinoline-4-ol.

Step-II: 4-Chloro-3-nitro-quinoline

Phosphorus oxychloride (1.2 eq.) was added slowly to well stirredsuspension of compound of formula 1 obtained in step I inN,N-dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was further heated to 50° C.with stirring for 30 min. The resulting solution was cooled at ambienttemperature and poured into an ice/water mixture. A solid was collectedby filtration and dried to afford 4-chloro-3-nitro-quinoline.

Step-III: tert-butyl {4-[(3-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]butyl}carbamate

A compound of formula 2 (1 eq.) was added to a solution of(4-Amino-butyl)-carbamic acid tert-butylester (1.2 eq.) and triethylamine (1.5 eq.) in ethanol. Reaction mixture was then refluxed for 15min and then diluted with water to precipitate impure product, which wasseparated by filtration. Saturated ammonium hydroxide solution was addedto filtrate and precipitated solid was collected by vacuum filtrationand dried to yield tert-butyl{4-[(3-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]butyl}carbamate of formula 3.

Step-IV: tert-butyl {4-[(3-aminoquinolin-4-yl)amino]butyl}carbamate

A suspension of compound of compound of formula 3 (1 eq.), 5% palladiumon carbon (2% by wt.) and magnesium sulphate in ethyl acetate washydrogenated on a parr apparatus at 50 psi of hydrogen gas for 4 hrs.The resulting reaction mixture was then filtered and filtrate wasconcentrated at reduced pressure to yield crude solid, which thenpurified by silica gel column chromatography to afford tert-butyl{4-[(3-aminoquinolin-4-yl)amino]butyl}carbamate of formula 4.

Step-V: tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]carbamate

To a solution of compound of formula 4 (1 eq.) in toluene was addedtriethylorthopropionate (2 eq.) and resulting reaction mixture washeated at 80-90° C. for 5 hrs. Reaction mixture was then cooled andsolvent was evaporated to remove 50% of toluene. To a remaining reactionmixture was added ice-water and product was precipitated as white solidwhich was then separated by vacuum filtration and dried to affordtert-butyl [4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]carbamate offormula 5.

Step-VI: 4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butan-1-amine

A solution of [4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-carbamicacid tert-butyl ester of formula 5 obtained in step V in trifluoroaceticacid was stirred at 40° C. for 4 hrs. Reaction mixture was then pouredon ice-water mixture and extracted with chloroform. Organic layer wasdried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under deduced pressure toafford 4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butan-1-amine offormula 6.

Example IN-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamideStep-I:N-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydrothiophen-3-amine

To a suspension of 4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butylamineobtained in step VI in tetrahydrofuran was added acetic acid (1 eq.) anddihydrothiophen-3-one (1.1 eq.). Resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 10 min. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (2.2 eq.) was added to reactionmixture over a period of 1 hrs and resulting suspension was then stirredfor 4-5 hrs. Reaction was then quenched with methanol and concentratedto dryness. Reaction mixture was basified using aq.sodium hydroxidesolution and extracted with chloroform. Organic layer was dried oversodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield stickysolid. Product was then purified by silica gel column chromatography toafford[4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-(tetrahydro-thiophen-3-yl)-amine.

Step-II:N-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(tetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide

To a solution of[4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-(tetrahydro-thiophen-3-yl)-aminein dichloromethane was added triethyl amine (1.5 eq.) and aceticanhydride (1.5 eq.) and stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hrs.Reaction mixture was then diluted with dichloromethane and washed withsaturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Organic layer was dried oversodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to affordN-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(tetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide.

Step-III:N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)-N-[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxido-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]acetamide

To a solution ofN-[4-(2-Ethyl-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-N-(tetrahydrothiophen-3-yl)-acetamidein chloroform was added m-chlroperbenzoic acid (4 eq.) and stirred atambient temperature for 2 hrs. Reaction mixture was then diluted withchloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution.Organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated underreduced pressure to yield sticky mass. Product was then purified usingsilica gel column chromatography to affordN-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)-N-[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxido-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]acetamide.

Step-IV:N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide

To a solution of(1,1-Dioxo-tetrahydro-1lambda*6*-thiophen-3-yl)-N-[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxy-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)-butyl]-acetamidein chloroform was added p-toluene sulfonyl chloride (1.2 eq.) followedby aq.ammonium hydroxide solution. The resulting reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature for overnight. Reaction mixture was thendiluted with chloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonatesolution. Organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentratedunder reduced pressure to yield sticky solid, which was then purifiedusing silica gel column chromatography to afford the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 8.29 (dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 8.21(dd, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, J=3.0 Hz), 7.65 (m, 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.58 (t, 2H),3.78 (t, 2H), 3.3 (t, 2H), 3.02 (q, 2H), 2.34 (d, 2H), 2.2 (t, 1H), 2.1(s, 3H), 2.09 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H), 1.79 (m, 2H), 1.55 (t, 3H)

Examples 2-4 were also prepared by following procedure of example I.

Example IIN-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1-methyl-1-oxidopiperidin-4-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 8.24 (dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 8.19(dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 7.60 (m, 2H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.52 (t, 2H), 3.75(t, 2H), 3.4 (m, 1H), 3.2 (m, 4H), 3.12 (q, 2H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.01 (m,2H), 1.99 (m, 4H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.51 (t, 3H)

Example III3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,34-trideoxypentitol

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 8.35 (dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 8.29(dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 7.63 (m, 2H), 5.56 (s, 2H), 4.50 (t, 2H), 4.42(m, 1H), 3.70 (t, 2H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 3.35 (t, 2H), 3.12 (q, 2H), 2.15(s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.92 (d, 3H), 1.8 (t, 2H) 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.51 (t,3H)

Example IVN-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-1-oxidopyrrolidin-3-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 8.31 (dd, 1H, J=8.4&J=3.0 Hz), 8.15(dd, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, J=3.0 Hz), 7.62 (m, 2H), 7.55 (m, 5H), 5.59 (s, 2H),4.50 (t, 2H), 3.71 (t, 2H), 3.35 (t, 2H), 3.23 (s, 2H), 3.21 (q, 2H),2.19 (d, 2H), 2.15 (t, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 2.09 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H),1.79 (m, 2H), 1.55 (t, 3H).

Example V2-ethyl-1-[4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)butyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amineStep-I:N-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-amine

To a suspension of4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butan-1-amine obtained in stepVI of example I in tetrahydrofuran was added acetic acid (1 eq.) andtetrahydro-pyran-4-one (1.1 eq.). Resulting reaction mixture was stirredfor 10 min. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (2.2 eq.) was added to reactionmixture over a period of 1 hrs and resulting suspension was then stirredfor 4-5 hrs. Reaction was then quenched with methanol and concentratedto dryness. Reaction mixture was basified using aq.sodium hydroxidesolution and extracted with chloroform. Organic layer was dried oversodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield stickysolid. Product was then purified by silica gel column chromatography toafford N-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-amine.

Step-II: tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate

To a solution ofN-[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-aminein dichloromethane was added triethyl amine (1.5 eq.) followed bydi-ter-butyl-dicarbonate (1.5 eq.) and resulting reaction mixture wasstirred for 4 hrs at ambient temperature. Reaction mixture was thenevaporated completely and dissolved in dichloromethane, washed withwater and organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentratedunder reduced pressure to afford tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate.

Step-III: tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxido-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydra-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate

To a solution of tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamatein chloroform was added m-chlroperbenzoic acid (4 eq.) and stirred atambient temperature for 2 hrs. Reaction mixture was then diluted withchloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution.Organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated underreduced pressure to yield sticky mass. Product was then purified usingsilica gel column chromatography to afford tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxido-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate.

Step-IV: tert-butyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate

To a solution of tert-butyl[4-(2-ethyl-5-oxido-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamatein chloroform was added p-toluene sulfonyl chloride (1.2 eq.) followedby aq.ammonium hydroxide solution. The resulting reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature for overnight. Reaction mixture was washedwith saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Organic layer separated,dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and concentrated under reducedpressure to yield sticky solid, which was then purified using silica gelcolumn chromatography to afford tert-butyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamate.

Step-V:2-ethyl-1-[4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)butyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine

A solution of tert-butyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylcarbamatein trifluoroacetic acid was stirred at 40° C. for 4 hrs. Reactionmixture was then poured on ice-water mixture and extracted withchloroform. Organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate andconcentrated under deduced pressure to afford the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ (ppm): 8.2 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.6(dt, 1H, J=1.5 & 7.2 Hz), 4.69 (t, 2H), 4.01 (d, 1H), 3.98 (d, 1H), 3.4(m, 3H), 3.2 (m, 2H), 3.1 (m, 2H), 2.0 (m, 4H), 1.9 (m, 4H), 1.5 (t, 3H)

Examples 6-7 were also prepared by following procedure of example 5.

Example VI1-[4-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-ylamino)butyl]-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-e]quinolin-4-amine

¹H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ (ppm): 8.01 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.67 (dd, 1H,J=1.2 & 8.4 Hz), 7.4 (dt, 1H, J=1.5 & 7.8 Hz), 7.33 (dt, 1H, J=1.2 & 7.5Hz), 4.5 (m, 2H), 4.2 (m, 2H), 3.6 (m, 1H), 3.4 (m, 1H), 3.1 (m, 2H),3.0 (q, 2H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 3H), 1.7 (m, 2H), 1.5 (t, 3H), 1.4 (m,2H), 1.3 (m, 3H.).

Example VII1-{4-[(1,1-dioxido-3,4-dihydro-2H-thiochromen-4-yl)amino]butyl}-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine

¹H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ (ppm): 8.2 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.80 (dt, 1H,J=1.5 & 6.3 Hz), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 7.64 (dt, 1H, J=1.5 & 7.5 Hz),7.5 (m, 4H), 4.59 (t, 2H), 1H), 3.70 (m, 1H), 3.02 (q, 2H), 2.71 (m,3H), 2.50 (m, 2H), 1.99 (m, 2H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 1.48 (t, 3H).

Example A In Vitro Profiling

Cellular assays using a human cancer cell line (PCIR-1) or human PBMCfractions to test compounds for activating TLR7 are established.

Specificity for TLR7 and 9 was checked by adding chloroquine, whichabrogates signaling through endosomal TLRs. The PCIR-1 system is suitedfor measuring the interferone-linked cytokine IP10 by a bead-based assayin the 384-well format.

TLR is mRNA Expression in PCIR-1 (TaqMan PCR Analysis)

TLR1++, TLR2 (+), TLR3+, TLR4++, TLR5 (+), TLR6++, TLR7++, TLR8−,TLR9+++, TLR10−.

Treatment of this cell line with TLR agonist reference compounds LPS(TLR4 ago), resiquimod (imidazoquinoline) and H2006 (CpGoligonucleotide) result in strong cytokine mRNA induction. Also responseto poly I-C double-stranded RNA (TLR 3 ago); 40-fold induction of IP-10after 15 h) and MALP-2 (TLR 2/6 hetero-dimer ago, 100-fold induction ofIP-10 after 15 h) is detected.

RNA induction data was confirmed by parallel Luminex analysis showingstrong release of IP-10 and IL8 cytokines, in particular, and alsosignificant protein levels of IL6, IL12p40/p70 and IL10.

The signaling via TLR7 and TLR9 (both expressed in endosomes) can becompletely blocked by the addition of chloroquine, which is known todisturb the endosomal pH gradient. In contrast TLR4 signaling by LPS isnot affected (FIG. 1).

The current concept for a TLR agonist-screening cascade in a high- ormedium-throughput format is summarized in FIG. 2.

Compounds of the present invention are tested for specified cytokineinduction at the mRNA or protein levels. The Compounds show efficacy inthe cellular assays (FIG. 3).

Example B In Vivo PD Profiling

In the following, studies with the reference compounds and compoundsaccording to the invention are shown in the Renca lung metastasis modelas described in Leja A, Hofmann H P, Maier T, Drache D, Grebe C, FischerS, Gimmnich P, Sanders K, Gekeler V. Metastasis of murine Renca kidneycancer cells to the lungs of Balb/c mice is strongly suppressed by TLR9or TLR7 agonists. Abstract 3552, Proc Am Cancer Res 48, 2007.

FIGS. 4A and 413 show the results of reference compounds (TLR9 as wellas TLR7 agonists, which are either SMOLs or oligonucleotides;TOG=7-thia-8-oxoguanosine; IMDZQ=imidazoquinoline derivative).

In particular, female Balb/c mice (n=10) were treated for 4 consecutivedays starting day 1 or day 8 after Renca LacZ tumor cell injection,respectively. The SMOLs were applied in 20% PEG, the oligonucleotides in0.9% NaCl as indicated. Lungs were excised 25 days after tumor cellinjection (see FIG. 4A). Further, female Balb/c mice (n=5) were treatedfor 4 consecutive days as indicated. The SMOLs were applied in 20% PEG,oligonucleotides in 0.9% NaCl. At day 4 of treatment, blood wascollected via orbital plexus and spleens were excised. Subsequently,mRNA was isolated for expression analysis via qPCR. Data were normalizedto vehicle control (mean set to 1). Statistical evaluation was performedvia Mann-Whitney test (see FIG. 4B).

Under the same conditions as described above for the SMOLs as referencecompounds,3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol(TLR ago 1, example III) andN-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide(TLR ago 2, example I) TLR ago 1, both compounds according to theinvention, are examined in the Renca lung metastasis model.

3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol(TLR ago 1, example III) demonstrates a strong anti-metastatic effectwith virtually complete clearance of the lungs after a short treatment(d1-4) (FIG. 5).

1. A compound of formula 1:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of: —H, alkyl, alkynyl,aryl, alkoxy, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, alkynyl, aryl,alkoxy, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl may be unsubstituted or substitutedby one or more substituents; A is C₁-C₆ alkyl; B is —N(R₂)(R₃); R₂ is Hor —(CO)—R₅; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl,alkynyl, aryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl, each of which may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents; R₃ is selectedfrom the group consisting of: —H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl,cycloalkyl, and heterocyclyl, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryls,cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl may be unsubstituted or substituted by one ormore substituents; or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts,N-oxides or stereoisomers thereof, or combinations thereof.
 2. Thecompound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,and heterocyclyl, each of which may be unsubstituted or substituted byone or more substituents selected from group consisting of: —H, alkyl,alkenyl, alkoxy, halogen, —OH, —N₃, trifluoromethyl, -alkyl-aryl,—O-alkyl-aryl, —CO-aryl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, CO-heteroaryl,—CO-substituted aryl, CO-substituted heteroaryl, —CO—O-alkyl,—CO—N-alkyl, —CO—N-aryl.
 3. The compound of formula I according to claim1, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkynyl,aryl, alkoxy, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl, each of which may beoptionally substituted by one or more substituents which are selectedfrom the group consisting of: —H, —OH, halogen, —CO—N(R₄)₂, —N(R₄)₂,—CO—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —CO—O—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —N₃, optionally substituted aryl,heterocyclyl and —CO-aryl, wherein each R₄ is independently selectedfrom the group consisting of: —H, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl-aryl, oraryl.
 4. The compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₅ issubstituted by one or more substituents which are selected from thegroup consisting of —H, —OH, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SH, —CO—C₁₋₆alkyl, —CO—O—C₁₋₆ alkyl, —N₃, optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl,—CO-aryl and —CO-heterocyclyl.
 5. The compound of formula I according toclaim 1, wherein R₂ is hydrogen.
 6. The compounds of formula I accordingto claim 1, wherein R₂ is —(CO)—R₅; and R₃ is selected from the groupsconsisting of alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl,each of which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or moresubstituents.
 7. The compound of formula I according to claim 1, whereinR₁ is alkynyl or alkoxy; and R₂ is —(CO)—R₅.
 8. The compound of formulaI according to claim 1, wherein R₃ is heterocyclyl, which may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents which arepreferably selected from group consisting of: —H, alkyl, alkenyl,halogen and —OH.
 9. The compound of formula I according to claim 1,wherein R₃ is selected from the group consisting of:dioxo-tetrahydrothiophenyl, piperidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrididine,tetrahydropyranyl and azabicyclooctanyl, each of which may be optionallysubstituted by one or more groups.
 10. The compound of formula Iaccording to claim 1, wherein R₁ is alkyl, preferably ethyl.
 11. Thecompound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₅ is alkyl,preferably methyl.
 12. The compound as claimed in claim 1 which is:N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1,1-dioxidotetrahydro-3-thienyl)acetamide,N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]N-(1-methyl-1-oxidopiperidin-4-yl)acetamide,3-{acetyl[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]amino}-2,5-anhydro-1,3,4-trideoxypentitol,N-[4-(4-amino-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl]-N-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-1-oxidopyrrolidin-3-yl)acetamide,2-ethyl-1-[4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylamino)butyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine,1-[4-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-ylamino)butyl]-2-ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amineor1-{4-[(1,1-dioxido-3,4-dihydro-2H-thiochromen-4-yl)amino]butyl}-2-ethyl-IH-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amineor pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, N-oxides orstereoisomers thereof, or combinations thereof.
 13. A compound asclaimed in claim 1 for use as a medicament.
 14. A compound according toclaim 1 for the use in treatment of diseases sensitive to TLR7activation.
 15. A compound according to claim 14 wherein the disease isa viral or neoplastic disease or cancer sensitive to the activation ofTLR7.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of formula I as claimed in claim 1 incombination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 17. Apharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 comprising an amount ofthe compound of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates,salts, N-oxides or stereoisomers thereof, or combinations thereof,sufficient to provide a dose of about 100 ng/kg to about 50 mg/kg,preferably about 10 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg of the compound to thesubject.
 18. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 for theuse in treatment of a disease sensitive to TLR7 activation.
 19. Apharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 wherein the disease isa viral or neoplastic disease or cancer sensitive to the activation ofTLR7.
 20. A method comprising using a compound according to claim 1 or apharmaceutical composition obtained therefrom for the manufacture of amedicament for activation of TLR7.
 21. A method comprising using acompound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition obtainedtherefrom for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of aviral or neoplastic disease.
 22. A method comprising using a compoundaccording to claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition obtained therefromfor the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cancersensitive to the activation of TLR7.